News

The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Announces Resuming Humanitarian and Commercial Access to all Ports under the Control of the Legitimate Government of Yemen

November 12, 2017

(NEW YORK, NY) - In light of the recent measures taken by the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen in response to the continued violations of the relevant Security Council resolutions, including Security Council resolutions 2216 and 2231, and the threats directed against the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the neighbouring countries in flagrant violation of the rules and norms of international law and the United Nations Charter, and with the view that all possible measures will continue to be taken to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, we wish to confirm that steps are being taken by the Coalition in full consultation and agreement with the Government of Yemen, to start the process of reopening airports and seaports in Yemen to allow for the safe transfer of humanitarian actors and humanitarian and commercial shipments. The first step in this process will be taken within the next 24 hours and involves reopening of all ports in areas controlled by the Government of Yemen, including Aden, Mukalla, and Mocha, as well as, the airports of Aden, Seiyun and Socotra. The Coalition is in the process of developing a comprehensive plan for humanitarian relief including a review of inspection and verification procedures.

With regards to other ports currently under the control of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia, including Hodeida, the Coalition requests the Secretary General to send, as soon as possible, a team of experts to the Coalition Command Center in Riyadh to review current UNVIM procedures to enhance and deliver a more robust verification and inspection mechanism aimed at facilitating the flow of humanitarian and commercial shipments while preventing the smuggling of weapons, ammunitions, missile parts, and cash that are regularly being supplied by Iran and Iranian accomplices to the Iranian-backed Houthi militia, in direct violation of Security Council Resolutions 2216 and 2231.

Simultaneously, the Coalition will be preparing proposals for the ongoing operation of Hodeida port and Sanaa airport, and in this regard, will continue to engage constructively with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed for increasing commercial and humanitarian shipments including new arrangements for the management of Hodeida port and city and Sanaa airport based on these new proposals.

The Coalition will not cease its efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, including in the case of the continued obstructive role by the Iranian-backed Houthi militias and their allies and refusal to respond agreeably to the Special Envoy's proposals and initiatives.

In this regard, the Coalition will take all appropriate measures to insure humanitarian delivery and commercial access, and put an end to trafficking in weapons and ammunitions to the Iranian-backed Houthi militia and their allies, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions.

The Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms the commitment of Saudi Arabia and all Coalition members to provide all necessary support to the Government and people of Yemen to help overcome all obstacles to ensure the peace and security of Yemen and alleviate the suffering of its people.

Contact

The Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20037